UMlazi restaurant staff in shock after murder attempt

THE mood was sombre at Max’s Lifestyle in uMlazi yesterday after the shooting of owner Max Mqadi in the venue’s car park on Thursday evening.

According to police, Mqadi, a popular figure in the hospitality industry, was shot at four times as he was getting into his vehicle.

His management team confirmed yesterday that he “survived an attempt on his life and is recuperating”.

According to reports, two assailants had approached Mqadi as he was getting into his car and fired shots at him. A wounded Mqadi sped off.

He drove to a Florida Road night spot where he sought help. He was taken to an uMhlanga hospital.

The murder attempt rocked social media yesterday, with an outpouring of support and well wishes for his recovery.

There were also numerous comments regarding a picture shared, allegedly of Mqadi’s iPhone, which was damaged by a bullet. The cellphone allegedly saved his life as he had been talking on the phone at the time of the shooting.

There were also images of a bloodsoaked driver’s seat inside the vehicle.

When the Independent on Saturday visited the premises in uMlazi yesterday, the atmosphere was subdued as staff went about their duties.

One staff member said it was “business as usual” as preparations were under way for a busy weekend, while another confirmed where Mqadi’s car had been parked and where the shooting had taken place.

Apparently Mqadi normally left work at about 7pm.

Also being circulated on social media was a voice note, allegedly a recording from a security company alerted to the attack on Mqadi.

It said: “Shooting is positive, ja he was shot three or four times… he’s managed to drive himself to Florida Road… is at the hospital at the moment. Info is that it was two suspects who have been loitering around since half-past six in the evening.”

Yesterday, Max’s Lifestyle management said: “We wish to take this opportunity to relay our heartfelt gratitude to all South Africans and the global community who have expressed messages of support to Mr Mqadi.”

SAPS provincial spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said Mqadi had sustained two bullet wounds and police were investigating.

Under the banner of Durban Tourism, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela expressed shock at the shooting, saying: “Max Mqadi is one of the pioneers of township tourism and the city cannot afford to lose people like him who have put our city on the world map.”